64% of Filipinos distrust China — OCTA

MANILA (July 23)  — Distrust of China remains deeply entrenched among Filipinos, with nearly two-thirds of the population, or 64 percent, saying they do not trust the Asian powerhouse, according to the latest survey by OCTA Research.

The poll found that only 14 percent of respondents expressed trust in China, while 21 percent were undecided, highlighting the wide gap between those who view the country favorably and those who remain wary of its intentions.

The results come amid persistent tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Filipino fishermen and government vessels have repeatedly faced confrontations with Chinese maritime forces. The disputes have kept China at the center of public debate over national sovereignty, territorial rights and the country’s foreign policy direction.

For many Filipinos, the issue extends beyond geopolitics. Incidents at sea, competing territorial claims and allegations of aggressive maritime activities have increasingly shaped public perceptions of China and raised questions about the country’s ability to protect its sovereign rights while maintaining economic and diplomatic ties with Beijing.

The 64-percent distrust rating suggests that, despite efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, China continues to face a significant credibility problem among the Filipino public.

The challenge for the Philippine government, analysts say, is to balance diplomacy and economic engagement with a firm defense of national interests—particularly in the West Philippine Sea, where public sentiment remains closely tied to the country’s sovereignty and security.

With only 14 percent expressing trust in China, the survey underscores a difficult reality for policymakers: improving ties with Beijing may require not only high-level diplomatic engagement but also greater transparency, accountability and tangible assurances that Philippine sovereignty and the rights of Filipino communities will be protected.